Learn about Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
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A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve.
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Often linked to high eye pressure, though it can occur with normal pressure.
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Progresses silently, with little or no early warning signs.
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Can lead to gradual, irreversible vision loss.
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Known as the “silent thief of sight.”
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With early detection and treatment, vision can usually be preserved.
Why is Glaucoma care important?
Glaucoma often progresses without symptoms until vision loss is advanced.
Early detection matters because:
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Irreversible damage: Lost vision cannot be regained
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Silent progression: No signs until advanced stages
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Protect your sight: Early treatment preserves vision & quality of life
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Better outcomes – early care is safer and more effective.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
In its early stages, glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms — which is why regular eye checks are essential.
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Gradual loss of peripheral vision
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Blurred vision
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Eye pain (acute angle-closure)
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Halos around lights
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Redness and nausea (in some types)
In most cases of glaucoma, there are no symptoms until permanent vision loss begins.
Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Certain factors can raise your chances of developing glaucoma. These include:
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Age – Risk rises after 40, and more so after 60.
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Family history – Close relatives with glaucoma increase your risk.
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High eye pressure – A major contributing factor.
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Medical conditions – Diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disorders may add risk.
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Eye issues or injury – Past injuries, corneal thickness, or severe myopia can increase risk.
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Long-term steroid use – Prolonged use of steroid medications may raise risk.
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Ethnicity – Higher risk in people of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent.
How Glaucoma is Diagnosed?
Glaucoma is usually detected during a comprehensive eye examination. Since early stages often have no symptoms, regular check-ups are essential. Key tests include:
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Tonometry – Measures eye pressure (intraocular pressure).
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Ophthalmoscopy – Examines the optic nerve for damage.
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Perimetry (Visual Field Test) – Checks for blind spots in side (peripheral) vision.
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Gonioscopy – Looks at the drainage angle of the eye.
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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Provides detailed images of the optic nerve and retinal layers.
These tests are quick, painless, and help your eye doctor detect glaucoma early and protect your vision.
Types of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma isn’t a single disease – it has different forms. The main types include:
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Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Most common; slow, painless vision loss due to poor fluid drainage
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Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Sudden blockage; causes eye pain, headache, halos, nausea. This is a medical emergency.
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Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage despite normal eye pressure.
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Secondary Glaucoma: Triggered by other conditions like trauma, eye surgery, inflammation, cataract, or steroid use.
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Congenital Glaucoma: Rare; present at birth/early childhood from abnormal drainage system
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Medicated Eye Drops
While glaucoma cannot be cured, modern treatments can effectively control the condition and help preserve vision. The goal of treatment is to lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve from further damage.
At EEC-CS, we offer a range of tailored treatment options based on the type and stage of your glaucoma.
Medicated Eye Drops are:
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The most common first-line treatment
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Help lower eye pressure by improving fluid drainage or reducing fluid production
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Require consistent daily use to be effective
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May be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Schedule an Appointment
Ready to experience top-notch eye care services? Book an appointment with EEC-CS today and take the first step towards improving your vision and eye health.
